MMA fans are abuzz with anticipation for what promises to be the blockbuster fight of 2025: Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall. The matchup between the reigning heavyweight champion and the interim titleholder has everyone on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what could be one of the most significant clashes in UFC history.

Although Jones had hinted at retirement several times in the past few months, his victory against Stipe Miocic reignited his competitive fire, leading him to declare that his career was far from over. Even UFC CEO Dana White has thrown his weight behind the potential showdown, calling it the fight to make. AKA head coach Javier Mendez has also endorsed the idea, calling it a genuine test for Jones’ unparalleled legacy.

During a recent podcast appearance, Mendez shared his optimism about the fight, stating, “Dana doesn’t talk c**p. Maybe he can’t always make everything happen. But if he says that’s what he wants to do I believe that’s what he is trying to do. I believe he is going to put his best effort to get it done and I believe it can happen if Dana says he makes it happen then who else can make it happen? Let’s see what happens.”

Mendez also acknowledged the magnitude of the fight, adding,

The MMA community, including other stellar coaches like Firas Zahabi and Jones’ longtime rival Daniel Cormier, agree that Aspinall represents a unique threat. Cormier, in particular, highlighted the pressure Jones might feel heading into this matchup. “I don’t even know if there’s ever been a time in his career where someone has been favored to beat Jon Jones,” Cormier said. “And I think that concerns him.”

Mendez previously revealed an interesting twist in Jon Jones’ plans: a preference to face Alex Pereira instead of Aspinall. However, the ‘Team Khabib’ member himself has been vocal about favoring the Jones-Aspinall matchup, which he believes poses a far greater challenge for the reigning champion.

“I think Aspinall can beat Jones. I think he’s the biggest threat to Jones,” Mendez said in an interview with Canada Casino. Adding fuel to the fire, another prominent MMA journalist has stepped forward, echoing what fans have been envisioning for months—a showdown between Jones and Aspinall.

Ariel Helwani weighs in on the top fight to make in 2025

During The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the renowned host revealed that the MMA community has unanimously rallied around one fight for 2025 as the most anticipated matchup of the year. “Let’s kick things off with the fights we must see in 2025,” Helwani began, before teasing the consensus pick. “And here’s a spoiler for all of you guys: let me break the fourth wall. None of us know each other’s answers for any of these categories, if you will, any of these topics– except for one topic. And it’s this topic, and that’s why I wanted to get it out of the way.”

Helwani went on to confirm what fans and pundits alike have been clamoring for: the highly anticipated heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Helwani referred to it as a dream clash between “Bones vs. the pride of Manchester,” reflecting the global excitement surrounding this potential fight. Even Dana White has iterated his latest stance on the matchup. Speaking after UFC Tampa, White confidently stated, “Yeah, I’ll say 100 percent [guaranteed],” when asked about the likelihood of Jones vs. Aspinall happening in 2025.

With the potential for a record-breaking event, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Jones and Aspinall. As fans eagerly await this historic showdown, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious in 2025? Share your predictions in the comments below!